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Candida albicans Antigen Detection

Candida Antigen

Test Codes

FOCUS #34336, EPIC: LAB5966, SOFT: XCAAB

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube.
Also acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Send specimen for processing immediately after collection.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) immediately.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) immediately.

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 6 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Sendout Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease, San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Performed

Tuesday – Saturday.
Results available within 3-6 days.

Reference Range

< 1:2.

Test Methodology

Latex Agglutination.

Interpretation

A negative reaction does not exclude the possibility of systemic candidiasis. A consistently high titer (¿ 1:4) or a rising titer is suggestive of invasive candidiasis. False positive results may occur in patients with acute renal failure. Rheumatoid factor can cause nonspecific agglutination.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the diagnosis of of systemic candidiasis.

CPT Codes

86403

Contacts

Last Updated

11/2/2020